Are you tired of sacrificing flavor and nutrition for the sake of convenience? Look no further! Busy weeknights don’t have to mean a compromise on taste or quality when it comes to dinner. With these 18 easy 5-ingredient vegetarian slow cooker recipes, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
From hearty stews to creamy soups and flavorful curries, our collection of slow cooker recipes has something for everyone. And the best part? Each dish requires just 5 ingredients or fewer, making it simple to prepare and enjoy on even the most chaotic of nights. So why wait? Dive into these mouthwatering vegetarian slow cooker recipes and discover a world of flavor without sacrificing your sanity.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Warm up with a hearty, flavorful vegetarian chili that’s perfect for any occasion. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or other hot peppers for added heat
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker in the order listed.
2. Stir to combine, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 6-8 hours
– High: 3-4 hours
Creamy Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Warm up with this comforting and nutritious soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This creamy lentil soup is made easy by using a slow cooker, allowing you to come home to a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the lentils, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Black Bean Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, made with tender black beans, savory vegetables, and aromatic spices. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Add the black beans, onion, garlic, bell pepper, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Minestrone
A hearty and comforting vegetarian take on the classic Italian soup, perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni)
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pasta shapes, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
2. Pour in vegetable broth and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry
Transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a rich and creamy curry with this simple slow cooker recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in coconut cream before serving.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mushroom Stroganoff
Transform your slow cooker into a kitchen powerhouse with this easy-to-make Slow Cooker Mushroom Stroganoff recipe. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day when you need a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz sour cream
– 8 oz cooked egg noodles
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine mushrooms, onion, garlic, beef broth, and paprika.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve over cooked egg noodles. Top with sour cream and garnish with parsley or dill if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Ratatouille
Slow Cooker Ratatouille Recipe
Ratatouille, a classic Provençal vegetable stew from France, is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a comforting meal. This slow cooker version simplifies the process while maintaining the rich flavors of the original.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine eggplant, red bell pepper, garlic, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in crushed tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Quinoa and Vegetable Stew
Slow Cooker Quinoa and Vegetable Stew Recipe
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of quinoa, vegetables, and aromatic spices, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Serve hot with crusty bread or as a main course.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium-sized bell peppers, sliced
• 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and add to slow cooker.
2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add cooked onion mixture, bell peppers, zucchinis, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Pour in water or broth and stir gently to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Quinoa is done when fluffy and tender.
Slow Cooker Coconut Chickpea Curry
This flavorful and nutritious curry is perfect for a busy day. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, let it do its magic, and come home to a delicious and aromatic meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– 1 cup water or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the squash, olive oil, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream or half-and-half.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-4 hours (depending on heat setting)
Slow Cooker Spinach and White Bean Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of creamy white beans, fresh spinach, and aromatic spices. It’s an ideal meal for a chilly day or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the soaked and drained white beans, chicken broth, and salt to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
Elevate your comfort food game with this simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe that combines the richness of tomatoes with the brightness of basil. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch, this soup is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes), chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add chopped tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in broth and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. If desired, add heavy cream and blend until combined.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Elevate your pasta game with this creamy and flavorful slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and the best part? It requires minimal effort!
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rotini)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a slow cooker, combine olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
3. Add cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the garlic-parmesan mixture.
4. Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna
A twist on the classic Italian dish, this slow cooker lasagna is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a busy day. Layers of pasta, vegetables, and cheese come together in a flavorful and satisfying casserole.
Ingredients:
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, and mixed vegetables.
3. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top.
4. Layer with ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat layers two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Add a flavorful twist to traditional stuffed peppers with this slow cooker recipe that combines the bold flavors of Mexico. Perfect for a busy day, these peppers are easy to prepare and cook up tender and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to Low.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in slow cooker.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking up with spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
4. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to skillet. Cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies.
6. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture and top with cheese.
7. Cover slow cooker and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (Low) or 2-3 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Lentil Bolognese
This recipe is a creative take on the traditional Italian bolognese sauce, substituting lentils for ground beef to create a nutritious and deliciously textured meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lentils, onion, garlic, carrot, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. If using red wine, add it to the mixture.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Creamy Corn Chowder
Warm up with this comforting slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a cozy evening or a casual gathering. This creamy corn chowder is made easy by letting your slow cooker do the work.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups frozen corn kernels
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, corn kernels, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir until combined.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Stew
A flavorful and aromatic stew that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This slow cooker recipe combines the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, pasta, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to simplify your meal prep with these 18 easy and delicious vegetarian slow cooker recipes, all requiring just 5 ingredients or less! From hearty stews like Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili and Creamy Slow Cooker Lentil Soup, to international flavors like Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry and Slow Cooker Coconut Chickpea Curry, there’s something for everyone. Perfect for busy weeknights, these recipes are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and flavorful.